Monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas

Category: Religious Architecture > Monastery

District: Viseu > Tarouca > Salzedas

Location

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas is located in the peaceful village of Salzedas, part of the municipality of Tarouca. It stands in a serene setting, halfway up the valley of the Torno and Varosa rivers. Its location is characteristic of Cistercian monasteries, which sought proximity to watercourses, and the imposing monastic structure stands out in the predominantly rural landscape that surrounds it.

Historical Roots

The origins of this Cistercian monastery date back to the 12th century, with its foundation in 1159. Its history is linked to the figure of D. Teresa Afonso, wife of D. Egas Moniz, the Tutor, who donated the land for its establishment. Over time, this monastery would become one of the most significant of the Cistercian Order in Portugal, possessing vast properties. By 1255, the main monastic complex was already completed and consecrated, marking a period of great splendor.

An Architectural Journey

The church and monastic dependencies of the Salzedas Monastery offer a fascinating journey through different architectural eras. Although its genesis is Romanesque-Gothic, the building underwent profound renovations and expansions between the 16th and 18th centuries. The main façade, though monumental, appears unfinished, which gives it a unique and austere appearance. Inside the church, vestiges of the primitive structure, such as Romanesque capitals, can still be observed.

Of the original monastic complex, two cloisters remain today. One of them, known as the Grand Cloister, was designed in the 18th century by the Maltese architect Carlos Gimach, and is distinguished by its grandeur and its enclosed upper gallery. It is also possible to observe the Chapter House, with its ribbed vault and 17th-century tile coverings. This diversity of styles and the marks of various interventions over the centuries narrate the long history of a building that knew how to adapt and renew itself.

The Artistic Collection

The Monastery of Santa Maria de Salzedas houses a valuable artistic collection, which deserves special attention. Inside the church, two canvases by master Vasco Fernandes, also known as Grão Vasco, stand out, depicting Saint Peregrine and Saint Sebastian. The sacristy holds a cycle of 17th-century paintings by Bento Coelho da Silveira, illustrating the lives of Saint Bernard and Saint Benedict, patron saints of the Cistercian Order.

In addition to the paintings, the monastery is also a place of memory for the local nobility. Here lie the medieval tombs of D. Teresa Afonso, the founder, and two imposing 16th-century tombs of the Coutinho family, Counts of Marialva. This heritage is complemented by the Chapel of Desterro, a hexagonal-plan space decorated with 18th-century tiles, and by a museum core that allows for a deeper understanding of the rich religious art of the monastery.

License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.pt